Australian Open 2019 Final: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic took a subtle dig at Rafael Nadal for his change in approach to match the current demands of the game.

The big final between two arch-rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is right around the corner and the hype has continued to build as we edge closer to the mega Australian Open showdown. Although the Serbian holds a slight edge in the head-to-head stats against the Spaniard, he also made sure to highlight the differentiating factor between him and Nadal ahead of the big finale.

Nadal looked at his absolute best as he produced an impressive 6-2,6-4,6-0 victory over Roger Federer-slayer Stephanos Tsitsipas in the semi-final. While fans and pundits lauded the Spaniard for making tweaks to his game in order to compete at the absolute top once again, Djokovic fired shots by suggesting the difference between him and Rafa as far as adapting to the current demands is concerned.

“I have a slightly different approach [to Nadal]: I adapt the age to the game,” Djokovic said. “I don’t feel at the moment that my body has any significant wear and tear that would compromise my game. My game is pretty much the same. Of course, looking to improve, as anybody else. But generally seeing and feeling the game is quite similar to what I have had throughout my career. I will not change anything for the moment.”

Reflecting on Nadal's semi-final show, the Djoker said: “He has played impressively well throughout the entire tournament. He hasn’t dropped a set. He looked as good as ever on the hard court throughout these few weeks.”

About the final contest, 31-year-old Serbian promised to give everything on the court against Nadal and hope to have his opponent match his effort from the other end too.

“I’m sure we’re going to have a blast on the court. We can promise one thing, and that’s knowing both of us that we’re going to give absolutely everything out on the court,” said the 14-time Grand Slam winner. “I think people will enjoy it. I will, of course, try to play as well as I have so far. Of course, playing Rafa requires a different approach tactically. I’m sure it’s the same from his side towards me.”

Djokovic further termed Nadal as his 'biggest rival', while mentioned the epic 2012 battle against him in the same competition that went down in the history of the sport as one of the finest Grand Slam finals in history.